Monday, 23 August 2010

Sunday, 22 August 2010

It's not just the Patcham elms that have been felled. This beech in Stanmer woods must have fallen prey to the disease that is attacking beech trees across southern England and has been felled before it becomes too dangerous.

Friday, 6 August 2010

...when the South Downs were almost one great pasture filled with large flocks of sheep. It was in the last war that the grass was hit by the plough and now there is as much arable farming on the Downs as sheep farming.

Thursday, 5 August 2010

There were clouds of these small butterflies - only about an inch across - feeding on the clover and this was the best the Boss could do by way of a photo! I ask you! And, what's more, he has no idea what species they are.

Tuesday, 3 August 2010

Monday, 2 August 2010

The centre of Patcham, usually known as ‘the old village', is the junction of the Old London Road and Ladies Mile Road. If this was in France it would have a grand name starting with ‘Place' and, indeed, it does have a name, although not as grand as it might sound in French. It is known as Elm Square. This is because of the two very old elm trees growing side by side right at the junction of the roads. But unfortunately they will not be there much longer as they have succumbed to Dutch elm disease and will be felled before too long. Next Sunday the local community are being invited to collect in the square to celebrate the lives of these old trees. (Seems to me a bit like having the wake before a person has died.) Replacement elms will be planted, we are promised, but it will be along time before the view looks anything like it is now.